Markets rallied after the Supreme Court of the United States struck down former President Donald Trump’s emergency tariffs, but volatility returned as a new 10%–15% global tariff was introduced by executive order, limited to 150 days. While corporate management teams suggest tariff headwinds are easing, they remain a lingering risk. GDP growth slowed sharply to 1.4% in Q4 2025 amid a government spending contraction tied to the shutdown, though much of that drag may reverse in Q1. Earnings season wrapped up with strong results from Walmart, though softer 2026 guidance weighed modestly on shares. Major indices finished higher, led by Technology and Industrials, as investors now turn their focus to AI-driven earnings from Nvidia, Salesforce, and Intuit, along with fresh inflation and confidence data.
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